Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 26th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Dangerous avalanche conditions continue. Avoid large slopes, overhead hazards and steep terrain.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Natural and human triggered slab avalanches are very likely on Thursday.
No new observations on Tuesday. Continued evidence of natural avalanche cycle from last weekend up to size 3.
Snowpack Summary
10 to 20 cm of new snow and strong southerly wind is expected by Thursday morning.
The upper metre of the snowpack is complicated. This snow sits above several significant weak layers that formed during the January and February dry spells. These include facets, surface hoar (in sheltered terrain), and crust on solar aspects.
A layer of facets on top of a crust from early December is buried 100 to 200 cm deep. This layer is generally not a concern in this region.
Weather Summary
Wednesday Night
New snow 10 to 20 cm. 25 gusting to 80 km/h south ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Thursday
Mix of sun and cloud with snow 2 to 5 cm. 10 to 45 km/h southeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Friday
Snow 5 to 15 cm. 10 to 60 km/h southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1°C. Freezing level 1000 m.
Saturday
Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. 10 km southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -1 °C. Freezing level 1100 m.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
- Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm slabs sit on a weak interface and will likely be reactive with new snow, strong southerly wind and rising freezing levels.
Wet loose avalanches are likely where precipitation falls as rain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Two surface hoar layers can be found in the top meter of the snowpack in sheltered terrain. New snow, rain, wind and warming will add stress to these layers and they may become reactive.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 27th, 2025 4:00PM
